Mieko Yorimasa: The World of the Tale of Genji – Demonstration of Jyuni Hitoe

Reflections on The Tale of Genji…Japan is a country blessed with four seasons; seeking beauty in the changing seasons, living in harmony with nature, and treating nature as divine.  A unique culture of respect for nature has been practiced in Japan.  The Tale of Genji, elegantly depicting the lives of court aristocrats in this culture, was created by Murasaki Shikibu more than 1000 years ago in medieval Japan. The aesthetic of expressing seasonal change by layering colored clothing is called kasane no irome, or Juni-Hitoe (twelve layered Kimono), and was cultivated in the Imperial court.

One of the ceremonies held in the Imperial Palace was “mogi”, a rite of passage into adulthood for girls.  Princesses wear mogi clothing for the first time at around age 14.

Noble families with a daughter held a large-scale mogi ceremony to announce that the girl was ready to enter court and get married.   Today we will demonstrate this ceremony.

Ms. Emiko Yorimasa,  founded Wabunka Densho Kyokai (Japanese Traditional Culture Association) in 2002 to revive and perpetuate Japan’s traditional culture &  art; giving renewed vibrancy to the Japanese spirit as it is passed on to a new generation.                                                                  Ms. Yorimasa serves as Chairman of both the Wabunka Densho Kyokai and the Sowa Kimono Gakuin. She is also a Director at the Sowa Vocational Training School, an institute specializing in all facets of kimono attire and culture. Additionally, Ms. Yorimasa is a member of the National Kimono Skills Certification Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, and is herself a certified examiner. She also serves as a Central Examination Committee member for the All Japan Kimono Dressing Consultation Association.  With over 50 years of experience, Ms. Yorimasa is one of Japan’s preeminent experts in kimono dressing and etiquette, performing demonstrations; not only in Japan, but also in England, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, China, and Taiwan.